Common Mistakes That Can Get You Pulled Over

October 25, 2013
By
Taylor & Taylor Attorneys

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We are all aware that we can get pulled over for blowing through a stop
sign or driving with a broken tail light and that these can lead to getting
ticketed. When we're ticketed for a broken tail light it's called
a mechanical violation, whereas being ticketed for running a stop sign
is a moving violation since the vehicle was in motion at the time of the
violation.

While non-moving violations are less serious than moving violations, a
routine traffic stop for expired registration or windows with too much
tint can lead to the police officer ticketing you for something else.

What's more, if the police are ticketing you for something such as
a broken brake light, if they see something such as an open bottle of
alcohol or drug paraphernalia that are in "plain view", it can
give the police probable cause to search your vehicle, which can lead
to more serious charges.

In addition to moving violations, there are several other reasons why the
police might pull you over, any of which can lead to a search of your
vehicle and down the wrong path. Here are some common irregularities that
may grab an officer's attention and lead to a traffic stop.

Expired Registration. Expired registration is usually a direct indicator that the driver is driving
without insurance; therefore, if an officer spots expired tags, it's
a red flag that requires investigation.

Overly Tinted Windows. Let's begin by saying that police officers prefer to be able to see
inside of a vehicle so they can watch the suspect for any sudden movements.
When a police officer cannot see what's going on inside of a vehicle,
it immediately puts them on guard since police officers get killed at
traffic stops. Having dark tinted windows that significantly impair the
officer's visibility into a vehicle is an attention grabber.

Poorly Loaded Truck. We've all been on the freeway and seen a random pickup truck filled
with mattresses and furniture that look like they were going to spill
out on the highway at any moment. If the police notice this, it can be
grounds for a ticket.

Burned Out Headlights. Burned out headlights can be very dangerous when driving at night. If an
officer observes this condition, he or she may suspect drunk driving or
at the very least they will be concerned that it can lead to an accident
since other drivers cannot easily see the front of a vehicle at night
with burned out headlights.

Loud Exhaust Modifications. If a car has loud exhaust modifications, the driver can reasonably expect
the vehicle to be a magnet for the police.

Unsafe Conditions. If your car has a dangling bumper or a side mirror hanging by a thread,
these unsafe conditions are easy for a cop to spot. At any given moment
an unsafe situation such as a broken bumper can fall off on the highway
and cause an accident and cops are on the lookout for situations such as these.

Broken Tail Light. Having a broken turn signal, a broken tail light, or a broken brake light
are all cop-attention getters, especially when driving at night. If any
one of these things isn't working, you can expect to eventually get
pulled over. While you may not get a moving violation since you may have
not been aware of the problem, you can be ticketed for a mechanical violation.

No Side or Rearview Mirror. Since most states have laws enacted requiring a driver side mirror, a rearview
mirror inside the vehicle and a side mirror, if an officer observes you
driving without one of these, you can expect to get ticketed.

We all have to remain rather vigilant when it comes to the condition of
our vehicles and vehicle maintenance. If you are pulled over in a routine
traffic stop we recommend being polite and cooperating with the police.
If you are ticketed for speeding, or driving on an expired license, or
driving without insurance, or for another reason, you always have the
option of fighting your ticket in court.

At Taylor & Taylor, we have extensive experience representing clients against
DUI charges, driving on a revoked license and numerous other
traffic offenses and we have helped countless individuals avoid points on their license,
hefty fines, and the loss of their driving privileges.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.